Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:44:19-2:45:36

Lasers should complement proven close-in weapons first

First-generation shipboard lasers should add a defensive layer rather than displace kinetic close-in weapons before all-weather reliability is demonstrated.

Air DefenceClose-In Weapon SystemsDirected Energy WeaponsShip DesignSurvivability
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Question

Should lasers and missile systems replace or assist kinetic close-in defences?

Short answer

They should initially assist and complement them. Replacement is premature until lasers can match proven systems across weather and combat conditions.

Notes

The preferred initial fit keeps kinetic close-in weapons alongside first-generation lasers. Replacement would wait until the new equipment demonstrated equivalent flexibility in all weather and operating conditions. Retaining both systems is judged a reasonable precaution for ships costing hundreds of millions or billions of pounds. The suggested minimum of three mounts of each system is explicitly a cautious personal preference.